Trendy Christianity

Guess Jeans, Neon Shirts and Cabbage Patch dolls. These are just a few of the things that were fads when I was growing up. Every generation has it’s own set of trends that will define it in the years that come.

As a Christian, I’ve experienced lots of fads within the church as well. For example, churches used to have fellowship halls. Now we call them Family Life Centers, and they usually can be converted from a dining hall to an auditorium or a basketball court at a moment’s notice. Fish emblems on cars, WWJD and FROG bracelets and those little fish-shaped mints with scripture on the containers are a few more examples of trendy Christianity.

For the most part, these fads are harmless, and in many cases beneficial for the body of Christ. However, I think these things become a problem when religious trends are confused with theology. Think about all the controversy that broke out when contemporary Christian music started becoming popular. Protesters yelling and holding signs saying things like “Rock Music is from the Devil” were regular fixtures for many years at concerts featuring bands like Third Day and Audio Adrenaline. As I write this, the Newsboys are playing in the background, singing, “Amazing Love, how can it be, that you my King should die for me, Amazing Love, I know it’s true, in all I do, let me honor you.” From the Devil, eh?

I wonder if the people who so strongly stand against this music have ever actually listened to it. More importantly, I wonder if they have ever checked to see if there is any scripture that supports their opinion. And, that’s the real point of my message. Hopefully, all Christians hold deep convictions about certain things. But those convictions should be based upon scriptural fact and not just our own opinions.

In John 7:16-18 Jesus says, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

I encourage you to take some time to examine your convictions and compare them with scripture. Pray that God will help you discern those things that are in line with His truth.